WHO Warns Against Toxic Cough Syrups Made in India

📰 WHO Warns Against Toxic Cough Syrups Made in India: A Global Health Alert

By World Global Times Desk | Updated: October 15, 2025

New Delhi — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent global alert over certain Indian-made cough syrups after laboratory tests revealed toxic contamination linked to the deaths of several children in India. This new WHO warning has again raised global concern about India’s pharmaceutical safety and regulatory oversight.

⚠️ What Triggered the Warning?

The controversy began in Madhya Pradesh, where at least 17 children reportedly died after consuming a syrup named Coldrif. Tests conducted by government labs detected diethylene glycol (DEG) — a lethal industrial solvent — in concentrations nearly 500 times above the permissible limit.

Two other syrups, Respifresh TR and ReLife, were also found contaminated. While CDSCO confirmed they were not exported, WHO’s medical alert 2025 warned of global risk through unregulated supply chains.

🌍 WHO’s Global Alert

In its official Medical Product Alert No. 5/2025, WHO classified the products as “substandard (contaminated)”. The agency urged all countries to increase surveillance for Indian cough syrups and warned that such toxic medicines could cause severe harm to children.

According to WHO, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol — both industrial chemicals — should never be present in medicines as they can cause acute kidney failure and even death.

🇮🇳 India’s Response and Crackdown

Following the WHO alert, India’s CDSCO and state regulators suspended manufacturing licenses of the companies involved. The Health Ministry also advised doctors not to prescribe cough syrups for children under two years due to limited benefits and potential risks.

Authorities in Tamil Nadu sealed the Coldrif manufacturer’s unit and began criminal proceedings against its officials. Investigations continue into falsified testing records and unverified raw material imports.

🧪 The Chemical Behind the Crisis

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a cheap but deadly chemical illegally used as a substitute for pharmaceutical-grade glycerin. It damages the kidneys and central nervous system, making it lethal — especially for children.

This is not the first such tragedy. In 2022, Maiden Pharmaceuticals syrups were linked to child deaths in Gambia and Uzbekistan, both involving DEG contamination.

🩺 What Experts Say

Experts call this crisis a sign of regulatory failure. Dr. Rajeev Sharma from AIIMS said India’s pharma sector needs tighter inspection and third-party testing for every batch to maintain its reputation as the “Pharmacy of the World”.

📊 Impact on India’s Pharma Reputation

India’s image as a reliable exporter of affordable generic medicines is under strain. Repeated WHO warnings are hurting global confidence. Policy analyst Ritu Mehra stated: “A single toxic batch can damage India’s entire pharmaceutical credibility.”

🧍 Voices from the Ground

Parents in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district, mourning the loss of their children, said they trusted local doctors who prescribed Coldrif syrup for a mild cough. “We never thought a medicine could kill,” said one father.

🔍 What Happens Next

Investigations are underway into whether toxic raw materials were imported, quality certificates were falsified, or state regulators ignored prior complaints. WHO has pledged to work with India to improve drug safety systems.

🚨 Key Takeaway

The WHO global warning is not just about three syrups — it’s a wake-up call for India’s drug regulation system. Without swift reforms, public trust and pharma safety may face further erosion.

“When medicines meant to heal become agents of harm, the world must act — not react.”

Tags: WHO warning, toxic cough syrup India, Indian pharma safety, diethylene glycol, child deaths India, CDSCO, WHO medical alert 2025, pharmaceutical contamination, WHO global alert